While Cowboys Mull Safety Options, Redskins Sign Atogwe And Chargers Sign Sanders

by One.Cool.Customer on Mar 4, 2011 5:00 AM CST in Dallas Cowboys News

Exactly two weeks ago, the Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay tweeted that the Colts released the oft-injured Bob Sanders. On the same day, O.J. Atogwe was released by the St. Louis Rams.

According to the Ranch Report, both players were of some interest to the Cowboys and their names had been discussed inside Valley Ranch. Apparently that discussion did not lead to a lot of interest, because yesterday, both safeties signed new contracts with other teams.

Adam Shefter reports that Sanders is staying in the AFC and will sign a one-year deal with the San Diego Chargers. Reports that Bob Sanders broke his hand signing the contract and is out for season were immediately dispelled, but his injury history is the reason the deal is for only one year. Atogwe meanwhile signed a five-year deal worth $26 million with the Redskins, where he rejoins DC Jim Haslett, for whom he played from 06-08.

After the break we look at some of the better safeties remaining in the free agent pool this year.

In the meantime, the Cowboys are allowing Gerald Sensabaugh to test free agency waters, and appear to be biding their time before trying to plug the hole at safety either through the draft or free agency, once that resumes. There still are a number of interesting free agents out there, and Atogwe's $5.2 million per year sets a price that appears quite reasonable, given that he has notched the third most turnovers among NFL defensive backs over the last five years. But then again, Atogwe only has five interceptions in the last two years, just as much as Sensabaugh had last year.

The list of free agent safeties remains long:

Quintin Mikell (Eagles) Hasn't received an offer from the Eagles yet, and the 30-year old free agent strong safety is unsure whether he'll return to the Eagles next year.
Michael Huff (Raiders) has indicated that he'd like to re-sign with Oakland, but has not received an offer yet. The Texas native could follow the Atogwe model and reunite with his former defensive coordinator in Dallas.
Eric Weddle (Chargers) is considered one of the biggest Pro Bowl snubs of 2010. He isn't going to be affected by the Sanders signing, as Weddle is a free safety and Sanders will play SS. The Chargers would like him back, but Weddle wants to be paid well, and rotoworld.com puts the chances of a re-signing at 50/50.
Danieal Manning (Bears) rejected a three-year extension offer from the Bears during the season. The deal would have been for $6 million, with $2 million guaranteed. Jerry would easily pay him more than that.
Dawan Landry (Ravens), the older brother of Redskins safety LaRon Landry, was assigned a restricted free agency tender by the Ravens, but once a CBA is signed, RFA tenders for fifth- and sixth-year players are likely going to be meaningless. Landry is such a fifth-year player.
Brodney Pool (Jets) didn't allow a single TD reception last year (vs. a league high seven for Alan Ball). The Jets don't want to spend big for a safety, so he's a guy who could be enticed to come to Dallas. He does have an injury history with concussions, but reuniting him with former DC Rob Ryan in his home state of Texas might be just the ticket for Pool.

These are just some of the free agent safeties available who graded out well according to Pro Football Focus. If you could choose any one of these free agent safeties, which one would it be, or would you pick someone else altogether?

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Comments

Silly Jerry...

You blew it.

~Texas Massacre '09~

by TheHeat on Mar 4, 2011 5:20 AM CST reply actions

I wouldn't say he blew it.

OJ wanted 5 years, and the Cowboys wanted no part of that. He’s a good safety I just think he looks better than he is to us, because of our safety situation. He’s no Ed Reed. I’d be fine with Dawan Landry, he’s a pretty decent safety, Poole too. I think the Redskins made a good move and didn’t overpay, but they gave him the years, and the Cowboys wouldn’t. OJ is good, but he doesn’t make me fear the Redskins any more or less because of him

You aint been around in awhile, maybe you haven't heard........I don't shine shoes no more

by markdamack on Mar 4, 2011 5:48 AM CST via mobile up reply actions

I wouldn't say he blew it.

You aint been around in awhile, maybe you haven't heard........I don't shine shoes no more

by markdamack on Mar 4, 2011 5:48 AM CST via mobile up reply actions

Sorry for the double.

You aint been around in awhile, maybe you haven't heard........I don't shine shoes no more

by markdamack on Mar 4, 2011 5:49 AM CST via mobile up reply actions

Sorry for the double.

You aint been around in awhile, maybe you haven't heard........I don't shine shoes no more

by markdamack on Mar 4, 2011 5:49 AM CST via mobile up reply actions

You're kidding me, right?

You aint been around in awhile, maybe you haven't heard........I don't shine shoes no more

by markdamack on Mar 4, 2011 5:50 AM CST via mobile up reply actions

That always happens to me when I try to post on my cell phone

by Antonio S on Mar 4, 2011 9:00 AM CST up reply actions

You're kidding me, right?

by thebigham on Mar 4, 2011 6:21 AM CST up reply actions

LOL!

I’m going to have to call you “Two-Times” from now on.

~Texas Massacre '09~

by TheHeat on Mar 4, 2011 6:51 AM CST up reply actions

I'm exhausted from having to hit the z key so many times!

by staubachfan on Mar 4, 2011 8:57 AM CST up reply actions

Atogwe has created more turnovers in the past 5 years

Than anyone else but Chatles Woodson at defensive back.

You will learn to hate him as a Redskin and ask ‘why can’t we get a safety like that?’

The Ohio State Buckeyes are your Sugar Bowl champions... and for the 7th year in a row Michigan still sucks.

by Blue Eyed Devil on Mar 4, 2011 7:07 AM CST via mobile up reply actions

All we can hope for is age to finally catch up with him.

Wars are won in the trenches and we need some new big uglies!

by BigDinLA on Mar 4, 2011 7:12 AM CST up reply actions

Atogwe is good but

I’d still take Witten, Austin and/or Dez in a match-up with him any day. Our guys will have to learn to put two hands on the ball when they play the Skins. O.J. likes to strip the ball when he tackles.

by TK19 on Mar 4, 2011 7:19 AM CST up reply actions

Pretty sure he did a good job against them the game we lost, last time we played the Rams.

Wars are won in the trenches and we need some new big uglies!

by BigDinLA on Mar 4, 2011 7:42 AM CST up reply actions

That was 3 seasons ago and Brad Johnson was our QB...I like our chances with Romo.

Didn’t Romo absolutely torch their secondary the only time we played them?

by CaliFanInTx on Mar 4, 2011 9:01 AM CST up reply actions

yes he did

he even had the long run after a bad ball snap .. ahh great memories .. :-)

I hate Eli Manning !

by salas88 on Mar 4, 2011 11:03 AM CST via mobile up reply actions

It bugs me when people cite supporting facts that are utterly bullsh*t.

It’s like some of these people think Atogwe is the second coming of Deion. If I’m overpaying for this guy, I would prefer to overpay that money towards Doug Free who is on the upswing.

The cap is going down with the new CBA and with the Cowboys are already at the current cap, how will that affect our current players? Will there be “grandfather clauses” to protect existing players? So much is in the air, don’t people pay attention to the financial side of the business?

by CaliFanInTx on Mar 4, 2011 11:26 AM CST up reply actions

Your views on finances and economics never ceases to amaze me

It really is impressive. . . . . It is like hearing my brother speak intelligently about the current financial situation in the NFL, only you know more about football.

Sorry to gush, I just really appreciate your intelligence and perspective.

by RE1D on Mar 4, 2011 3:54 PM CST up reply actions

yea.. no

overrated x 2

by Dezstroyer88 on Mar 4, 2011 8:37 AM CST up reply actions

Manning

I would love to see the Cowboys take a look at D. Manning. He’s an above average safety (so his contract would be reasonable) who is a smart football player. He could set-up the secondary and not be a weakness on defense. He would also be another option for kick returns.

Full disclosure, I have a rooting interest in D. Manning as he played his college ball at ACU, which is where I got my degree.

by TK19 on Mar 4, 2011 7:16 AM CST reply actions

Yup,

Or Huff. I would have preferred OJ, tho. Turnovers make OCs think twice, which is a big prob of Garrett’s, IMO.

To this day I have no idea what that woman was singing about. Like, literally no idea. I don’t know what a hollaback girl is. But I have to imagine it is a foul, disease ridden thing that wears too much make-up just to cover up the fact that it is a forty-seven year-old fish dog. – Family guy

by BlueNSilverBlood on Mar 4, 2011 8:05 AM CST up reply actions

Manning is a below average at safety, that's why he got cut. He is an above average returner and good depth guy.

I live in Chicago, so I’ve seen Manning play quite a bit. I wouldn’t mind the Cowboys signing Manning for depth because of his special teams ability, but he is not the answer at safety. Manning is a terrific athlete, but he doesn’t know where to go on the field (at least he gets to the wrong place fast!). There is more chance that Allan Ball shows improvement in the offseason than Manning- the Bears really wanted Manning to be their starter and gave him plenty of opportunities since he was drafted, but he couldn’t get it done.

by Yoko Romo on Mar 4, 2011 8:09 AM CST up reply actions

Did you miss the part

Where he was offered a three year deal? He may not be the answer, but almost anyone is an upgrade over Ball.

by DEL1SLE on Mar 4, 2011 12:49 PM CST up reply actions

Assuming Rob and Rex have simalar D's

Pool seems like a logical fit, dont know how much of a camp / OTAs / Preseason we will have so getting someone that actually gets it would be a bonus.

He who laughs last, thinks slowest
Well.....my days of not taking you seriously have certainly come to a middle
"Pleased to meet you, hope you guess my name"

by BigBad Joe on Mar 4, 2011 8:09 AM CST reply actions

That's who gets my vote

by Antonio S on Mar 4, 2011 8:55 AM CST up reply actions

+ 1

same here

I hate Eli Manning !

by salas88 on Mar 4, 2011 11:05 AM CST via mobile up reply actions

uh....

All they need is someone the size of Peterson at safety, and Rob Ryan could teach him easily.

by Zeno on Mar 4, 2011 8:09 AM CST reply actions

Jerry...

I really wanted Atogwe here but to see him go to the skins. COME ON JERRY! I like Manning or Poole but Jerry needs to stop playing with the safety position and get some people in here that can play.

by sjuarez88 on Mar 4, 2011 8:44 AM CST reply actions

I wouldn’t worry too much about Atogwe. In typical Redskins fashion, they way overpaid for a player whose best years are probably behind him. I’m not going to pretend like I’ve seen my share of Rams games the past 5 years, but when doing lazy internet scouting, his production is definitely down. In ‘07 and ’08, the numbers would indicate this guy was making plays all over the field, but the takeaways are way down in ’09 and ’10. I had a chance to speak to the Turf Show Times editor at the combine, and he didn’t seem too concerned about losing Atogwe.

http://www.bleedinggreennation.com/

by JimmyK on Mar 4, 2011 8:45 AM CST reply actions

I don't think they overpaid

I mean he’s a good safety, just not elite. Well, I say that…in 2 years people will probably think they over paid for him, like you said his best years may be behind him.

You aint been around in awhile, maybe you haven't heard........I don't shine shoes no more

by markdamack on Mar 4, 2011 9:15 AM CST up reply actions

We’ll know better how good/bad it is when we know how he’ll be paid over the first 2-3 years, but based simply on the figure of $5.2 million per season, that’s way too much for a declining player at a position that’s in the back half of critical positions on an NFL roster.

http://www.bleedinggreennation.com/

by JimmyK on Mar 4, 2011 9:56 AM CST up reply actions

+1

Ken Hamiltion part 2 anyone ? At least we got one good year out of him before he got pd,

He who laughs last, thinks slowest
Well.....my days of not taking you seriously have certainly come to a middle
"Pleased to meet you, hope you guess my name"

by BigBad Joe on Mar 4, 2011 10:32 AM CST up reply actions

I can agree with that

You aint been around in awhile, maybe you haven't heard........I don't shine shoes no more

by markdamack on Mar 4, 2011 11:58 AM CST up reply actions

im disgusted

one year deal for Bob Sanders, we are tendering Alan Ball
amazing
f’n amazing

this team will go absolutely nowhere with Alan Ball and Gerald Sensaballs

by Archie Barberio on Mar 4, 2011 9:36 AM CST reply actions

I am hoping Ball is being kept for CB depth.

And honestly I wanted no part of Sanders. He has been only playing in 3 games a season for years. Why waste a roster spot for that? Who would you give up? McCann again?

Likewise I understand why we didn’t bring Atogwe in. He is on the wrong side of 30 and will be less productive most than likely. Plus we don’t have a new CBA yet and we will need to figure out cap restrictions first before making a big signing.

People complain about signing over the hill, overpriced FA’s and IMO that is what the Skins just did. Yes I want the safety situation addressed, but those two being off the market is fine with me.

by Rena on Mar 4, 2011 9:42 AM CST up reply actions

Alan Ball

Sanders can take his spot, Sanders can take Sensaballs spot, Sanders can take Sendenjo spot
I can go on and on
its a 1 year deal

Ball for CB depth, yeah he is a ok corner, but you can find them all draft long

by Archie Barberio on Mar 4, 2011 9:47 AM CST up reply actions

until he gets hurt week 4

AFB Condensed- New name, same flavor.

by Iron Fist on Mar 4, 2011 10:14 AM CST up reply actions

If he makes that long.

Lock n Load

by DIRE WOLF on Mar 4, 2011 1:12 PM CST up reply actions

Why would you want someone who plays 3 games a year over a young guy that can mature for us?

by Rena on Mar 4, 2011 2:22 PM CST up reply actions

Alan Ball can mature?

by Archie Barberio on Mar 4, 2011 3:18 PM CST up reply actions

ok

Alan Ball or Bob Sanders?
your NUTS
im sorry
lay off the cough syrup

by Archie Barberio on Mar 4, 2011 3:19 PM CST up reply actions

Depends...

on whether Alan Ball is healthy and on the field and Sanders is on IR again or not.

Rabid and luvin' it

by lonewolfz28 on Mar 4, 2011 8:36 PM CST up reply actions

I never said keep Ball at Safety and you never said the choice was for either Ball or Sanders.

What you stated was that Sanders could take Sendejo’s spot and that you could go on. Going on would include Church, AOA and McCray. Those 4 young guys could all mature and grow for us into solid players, especially AOA. But you post about throwing them away for someone who averages 3 games a year.

by Rena on Mar 5, 2011 3:28 AM CST up reply actions

She must mean Rowdy, we all know about Alan Balls at FS ;-)

When in doubt, empty your magazine

by MudMarine on Mar 4, 2011 10:40 PM CST up reply actions

+1

for corner depth, if he ends up starting on opening day (whenever that is) and it is not due to injury, i will be VERY disappointed

He who laughs last, thinks slowest
Well.....my days of not taking you seriously have certainly come to a middle
"Pleased to meet you, hope you guess my name"

by BigBad Joe on Mar 4, 2011 10:34 AM CST up reply actions

We're gonna need a veteran safety next to Akwasi.

by starmesh23 on Mar 4, 2011 10:40 AM CST via mobile reply actions

hopefully Akwasi

is the real deal, im tired of watching mind round picks being cut..

I hate Eli Manning !

by salas88 on Mar 4, 2011 11:10 AM CST via mobile up reply actions

+1

"I am a true believer. Anthony Spencer will have 7 or more sacks in 2011 and Stephen Bowen can ball!" - Kegbearer
"Football is an incredible game. Sometimes it's so incredible, it's unbelievable."
- Tom Landry

by Kegbearer on Mar 4, 2011 11:26 AM CST up reply actions

Bernard Pollard

I don’t know that much about him,but has decent size,led Houston in tackles and I don’t think he is that old.Any thoughts?

by marlboroman on Mar 4, 2011 11:11 AM CST reply actions

Is he the guy who knocked Brady out for the season? If so, he is always welcome on my team

Lifelong Cowboys Fan from the Swamps of Jersey
My Beer Blog: http://tiltingsuds.wordpress.com/

by Seanrude on Mar 5, 2011 10:54 AM CST up reply actions

HAHAHAHA

Reports that Bob Sanders broke his hand signing the contract and is out for season were immediately dispelled, but his injury history is the reason the deal is for only one year.

I hope we manage to get one of the other veteran FA safeties…and I too will be worried about playing against OJ twice next season.

by Kegbearer on Mar 4, 2011 11:26 AM CST reply actions

No love for Michael Huff?

I would think he’s the prize of that bunch.

by TCBinNYC on Mar 4, 2011 11:37 AM CST reply actions

He has the most upside.

But he has only really had one good year.

AFB Condensed- New name, same flavor.

by Iron Fist on Mar 4, 2011 11:45 AM CST up reply actions

I agree, good upside

Just too many bad seasons to contrast the good seasons..

You aint been around in awhile, maybe you haven't heard........I don't shine shoes no more

by markdamack on Mar 4, 2011 11:59 AM CST up reply actions

+1

And it was a contract year. I’m always wary of signing players that ‘break out’ when its time to make new money.

by BigDumbFace on Mar 4, 2011 12:03 PM CST via mobile up reply actions

Do you think

that Sendejo or Barry Church can be a decent SS or are they just backup guys

by marlboroman on Mar 4, 2011 12:02 PM CST reply actions

I do

though clearly there will be some growing pains before they reach their stride. i think we need a vetaran safety ont he roster more than drafting one or two. We have young talent that could benefit with a veteran teaching them some tricks and handling the adjustments next season.

by Kegbearer on Mar 4, 2011 2:22 PM CST up reply actions

Yet amother reason that the CBA needs to get don

before the draft……Im with you on a vet, but if no FA before draft, do you roll the dice or end up taking a safety with either the 2nd or 3rd round pick ?

He who laughs last, thinks slowest
Well.....my days of not taking you seriously have certainly come to a middle
"Pleased to meet you, hope you guess my name"

by BigBad Joe on Mar 4, 2011 3:34 PM CST up reply actions

Yeah, if FA

I would certainly spend 2nd or 3rd on a safety. But not two like I have seen in some mocks.

by Kegbearer on Mar 4, 2011 3:39 PM CST up reply actions

If no FA i mean

by Kegbearer on Mar 4, 2011 3:39 PM CST up reply actions

I am clearly intrigued by Sendejo,he has everything you look for in a safety.

The only problem I see is,why didn’t he get drafted? AOA and Sendejo would be a nice set of safeties,IMHO. As far as Sanders,I am happy we didn’t get him.The same with Atogwe, Spags happens to be a very good judge of defensive talent and I can’t imagine him letting such a “Gem” slip through his fingers. Once again JMHO.

Dallas Cowboys Rule!!!

by NVCowboy4Life on Mar 5, 2011 5:41 AM CST up reply actions

I'm not particularly mad about not signing either one of those guys.

Sanders-Injury issues bug me. I love him when he is healthy, and a 1 year deal would’ve been nice, but he isn’t reliable at all.

Otogwe- I’m probably more lukewarm on him than most. While probowls definitely aren’t what I would gauge people on, he hasn’t ever made one in a league that #’s generally push you towards it. I just wonder if he is more above average than great.

AFB Condensed- New name, same flavor.

by Iron Fist on Mar 4, 2011 12:12 PM CST reply actions

Me either

Sanders is a stud, but I was happy that the Cowboys didn’t even bring him in. He’s more fragile than Mr. Glass from “Unbreakable”.

Otogwe was a little more appealing because of his relatively productive and injury-free last 5 seasons, but I don’t think he’s the end-all, be-all of FA safeties. I’m much more intrigued by Weddle or Huff.

by DannyWhite on Mar 4, 2011 1:36 PM CST up reply actions

Atogwe wasn't injury free.

He had shoulder issues and was put on IR in Dec 2009.

Rabid and luvin' it

by lonewolfz28 on Mar 4, 2011 8:48 PM CST up reply actions

Hence the qualifier "relatively"

by DannyWhite on Mar 4, 2011 10:44 PM CST up reply actions

Sorry...

I read it as “relatively productive” and “injury free”. I should’ve put them together. I do remember Atogwe getting dinged a couple other times. Just minor stuff like a bruised thigh though.

Rabid and luvin' it

by lonewolfz28 on Mar 5, 2011 12:10 AM CST up reply actions

+1

I will nto cry over not signing Sanders. OJ would have been a hard working and smart veteran to have teaching our young guys, but certainly not for the money and length of contract the skins are giving him.

by Kegbearer on Mar 4, 2011 2:23 PM CST up reply actions